Analysis of FBG Based Sensing for Infrastructure Structural Health Monitoring Applications

As the modern world encounters technological advances, higher levels of requirements and thus approved standards are requested in many industries, to maintain and improve the long-lasting working operation of the specific object/infrastructure and the safety of its user. One such area that relate to it is Structural health monitoring (SHM) solutions for different objects and structures. SHM has lately been intensively studied in many industrial fields (e.g., construction, energy, etc.). Mainly due to the opportunities provided by modern technology - for instance, fiber optical sensors (FOS), SHM has been introduced to new and better-performing solutions. FOS provides real-time and high-precision capabilities to ensure various physical parameter monitoring (e.g., strain, pressure, vibration, temperature, etc.). FOS are also known for their advantages - passive, lightweight and size, multiplexing capabilities, immunity to elec- tromagnetic interference, and so on. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology architecture has been extensively chosen for such FOS realization solutions in SHM applications because of the relatively easy integration and stable operation. All of the mentioned advantages make SHM based on FBG FOS a suitable solution for the public as well as private interested parties. In this study, we analyze and categorize recently studied fields and solutions regarding the SHM applications (e.g., security solutions, civil engineering, etc.) that have utilized optical FBG sensor technology. Particular research attention is given to the SHM applications related to security solutions, as this field nowadays is becoming more appealing. Lastly, forecasts for the expected upcoming FBG FOS SHM research fields and solutions in particular with security applications are provided.